[04/18/12 - 07:52 AM]Style Media Announces Robust 2012 Development Slate With 25% Increase in Original ProgrammingPlus: the second season of the hit docu-series "Tia & Tamera" returns on Monday, June 11 at 8:00/7:00c.

[via press release from Style]

STYLE MEDIA ANNOUNCES ROBUST 2012 DEVELOPMENT SLATE WITH 25% INCREASE IN ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING

Featuring Personalities Betsey Johnson, Cat Deeley, Kimora Lee Simmons and Bill Rancic, Network Greenlights Five Original Series; Six Series For Development and Two Returning Series

NEW YORK - April 18, 2012 - After a record breaking 2011 and a best first quarter ever in 2012, Style Media announced today a 25 percent increase in original programming with the addition of five new original series, six series in development and two returning series at the network's upfront presentation held in New York. Cementing its place in the fashion space, Style Media is partnering with fashion icon Betsey Johnson and Emmy(R) award-winning producers Magical Elves ("Top Chef" and "Fashion Star") for a new series "Betsey + LuLu," premiering later this year, and will continue to showcase fascinating personalities such as Cat Deeley, Kimora Lee Simmons and Bill Rancic. The first of the new original series, "Empire Girls: Julissa & Adrienne," will premiere on Sunday, June 3 at 9pm ET/PT.

"This has been a tremendous year for Style from every perspective," said Salaam Coleman Smith, President of Style Media. "We saw a huge surge in advertiser support and achieved our most impressive first quarter ever with double digit growth among women 18-49. In 2012, our programming lineup, anchored by fan favorites like 'Tia & Tamara' and 'Giuliana & Bill,' will be joined by a terrific mix of personality-driven series that really speak to our passionate viewers as well as our advertising partners."

In 2011, Style Media delivered its best upfront performance in the network's history, adding a historic 58 advertisers representing a 33% year over year revenue increase. Building on its 2011 success, Style Media grew its revenue by adding 18 new advertisers in the first quarter alone.

Style recently marked its best first quarter ever, up an impressive 22% among W18-49 year-over-year, according to Nielsen. The network's success was fueled by its popular returning original series "Jerseylicious" and "Big Rich Texas" on Sunday nights, which delivered a 110% increase in total viewers versus 2011. "Jerseylicious," now in its fourth season, is enjoying its most watched season ever and the sophomore season of "Big Rich Texas" is up an impressive 36% among the desired W18-49 from season one. Additionally, the fifth season of "Giuliana & Bill" delivered the franchise's most-watched season premiere ever and is up an impressive 55% in total viewers season-over-season.

"Our upcoming slate builds on Style's commitment to develop compelling programming that showcases fascinating personalities with an insatiable appetite for stylish living," said Sarah Weidman, Senior Vice President, Original Programming & Development, Style Media. "Whether it's working in the high-end fashion industry, delving into celebrity lifestyle, or designing a new home, each show portrays exciting new characters and offers an entertaining glimpse into a world that will resonate with our audience."

Following are Style Media's programming announcements:

NEW SERIES:

"Betsey + Lulu"

Produced by Magical Elves. Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth serve as Executive Producers.

The docu-series "Betsey + Lulu" explores the unique lives of fashion icon Betsey Johnson and her muse, daughter and confident Lulu as they struggle to maneuver their ever evolving mother-daughter relationship. As Lulu transitions into her role as a single mother, she hopes to break away from her mom's fashion empire and follow her dream of starting her own line, however, it's up to Betsey to let Lulu step out on her own for the first time. With a colorful support system that includes their personal assistant, business partner, shrink and interior decorator, there is nothing these two women can't take on.
"Ultimate Home with Bill Rancic" (working title) On Style's hit series "Giuliana & Bill," viewers have watched as Bill Rancic flipped properties into amazing high-end pieces of real estate. Now in this aspirational home makeover format, Bill will use his expertise to help real people create their dream home.

The hour long docu-series, which premieres Sunday, June 3 at 9pm ET/PT, follows Adrienne Bailon ("Cheetah Girls") and Julissa Bermudez ("106 & Park"), two fabulous Latina best friends and starlets, in New York City as they strive to conquer the cutthroat world of show business and find love and happiness... by the time they turn 30! Julissa and Adrienne first met in 2006 as co-stars in MTV's movie "All You've Got." While filming, they became best friends, even requesting to share the same trailer. Since then, these fashionistas have been there for each other through thick and thin and loves and losses, making noise and a name for themselves along the way.

From the creator and executive producers of Style's hit series "Jerseylicious," "Chicagolicious" takes viewers to the Windy City to follow AJ Johnson who owns AJ's salon in Chicago, and whose clientele includes a who's who of actors and models, including Angela Bassett and Iman. AJ oversees a team of talented yet fiery hair and makeup artists who love to create drama; from the looks they give their clients to the manner in which they deal with each other. "Chicagolicious" premieres on Monday, June 11 at 9pm ET/PT.

Event planner, Tory Cooper, and socialite, Joan Hammer, are co-owners of Priceless Affairs, a Las Vegas event company that throws high-end, over-the-top parties. The series follows Joan and Tory along with the help of their eclectic staff -- a florist with a flair for vintage, an assistant who aspires to run the show and the hot photographer who captures all the magic. Each episode will follow the team as they plan amazing and entertaining events such as a three-day $350,000 wedding event, a double birthday party for two wealthy teen girls and a pool party for a 24-year old Vegas native who has the money to party with a few hundred of his nearest and dearest friends. As they say...only in Vegas.

An hour-long series that follows television personality and fashion diva, Cat Deeley, into the homes and lifestyles of some of today's hottest stars! Through this casual and intimate lens, Cat treats viewers not only to a front-seat tour of their favorites star's home, but into their lives, as well, as they share personal stories triggered by treasured items. Whether it's the Oscar she won for a role she almost didn't take, her favorite pair of jeans, or the raggedy old couch she won't get rid of, viewers will get an inside glimpse into the lives of their favorite celebrities. Every item in the house is a testament to the celebrity's style and we're going to learn the stories behind it all.

In partnership with Justfab.com, an online shoe/fashion service that features the fierce Kimora Lee Simmons at the helm as President and Creative Director, Style will be bringing fashion to the masses. This docu-series will follow the eclectic and diverse cast of characters behind this fashion forward dot com and see what it takes to keep the operation going. Get ready for glamour to be accessible to every fashionista.

"Built" (working title)

Produced by Endemol. Alex Duda serves as Executive Producer.

Remodels never looked so good as "Built" follows a Manhattan home service staffed exclusively with high-fashion male models who are also skilled handymen. Each week, the crew will tackle a home makeover project helping their clients with remodeling challenges. With their different personalities and skill sets, the Built team sometimes struggles to find common ground in their work; however, their dizzying good looks bind them together and ensure a handsome ending.

"Celebrity Closet Confidential"

Produced by FremantleMedia. Larry Barron serves as Executive Producer; Mary Alice Haney is a Producer.

Peek inside the closets of some of your favorite celebrities with stylist Mary Alice Haney as she works to elevate a star's style. Each episode, Mary Alice works with a different celebrity to create a "fashion moment" for a huge celebrity event. She also identifies a few fashion fixes and sends them back into the spotlight as style icons. In the pilot episode, viewers will get to peek into the closet of singer and actress LeAnn Rimes as Mary Alice gives her a sophisticated and sexy new look.

"Absolutely MARvelous" follows Mar Romero, owner and founder of TEAM, a high-end hair and makeup styling company based in Santa Barbara, California. TEAM, a top West Coast styling company, does over 200 events a year including hundreds of specialized upscale weddings, editorial photo shoots, commercials and red carpet events. Feisty and in your face, Mar rules the roost with an iron fist and a fierce ambition. She runs her business like a military general. Mar recently launched a line of hair extensions and her newest endeavor is leather totes and handbags. She dreams of expanding to the East Coast but can she manage even more? Absolutely.

"Pop Style" (working title)

This topical weekly series will break down all things you need to know about looking good and living stylishly - including the latest in fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and pop culture. From trends and the latest movies and TV shows to the coolest tech gadgets and the hottest restaurants, no topic will be left uncovered.

The second season of the hit docu-series "Tia & Tamera" returns on Monday, June 11 at 8pm ET/PT and follows the identical twin sisters as they embark on major life transitions. As they face the realities of motherhood and matrimony, Tia and Tamera lean heavily on each other to lighten the difficult moments with comedic insight and advice and to share their worries and fears. After nine months of sickness, pre-natal classes and then the birth, Tia now is figuring out how to balance between being a successful actress and a successful mom. For Tamera, she spent months preparing for her dream wedding, and as she approaches her one-year anniversary, she wonders about her new role as a working wife. With homes in Los Angeles and Napa Valley, where her husband's family also owns a vineyard, Tamera finds herself pulled between two different worlds, struggling to decide where she will ultimately call home.

"Glam Fairy"

Produced by Endemol USA. Three-time Emmy(R) winner Alex Duda is the Executive Producer.

Alexa Prisco returns as the "Glam Fairy," which takes viewers inside her glittery, high-energy world as a makeup artist extraordinaire. Since establishing 'The Glam Factory,' Alexa has built her own glamorous home base where she showcases her makeover magic and expands her already growing clientele. Season two will follow Alexa as she takes her business to the next level and her personal life takes center stage when her boyfriend, Danny, takes a big step in their relationship while becoming her business manager at the same time.

About The Style Network

The Style Network is the destination for women 18-49 with a passion for the best in relatable, inspiring and transformational lifestyle programming. Style currently counts more than 78 million cable and satellite subscribers and is the fastest growing women's network in the U.S. Mystyle.com keeps women up-to-date on all of the latest fashion and beauty news on the web. Style's popular series include "Tia & Tamera," "Jerseylicious," "Giuliana& Bill," "Glam Fairy" and "Big Rich Texas." The Style Network is a network of NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/StyleNetPR.